Us Labor Department Announces Release of $838.7 Million In Unemployment Insurance Modernization Incentive Funds To California

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $838,680,283 in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to the state of California. California qualified for its full share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by including in its law provisions that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part-time workers and workers who become unemployed because of compelling family reasons.
"The federal government made these funds available as an incentive for states to strengthen their safety net as our economy continues to recover," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased that California's leaders took the necessary steps to provide unemployment insurance to an expanded group of deserving workers. These funds will help people continue to pay housing expenses, buy groceries and take care of their families while they look for full-time employment."
The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services